Drywall Tape Bubbling Fix? | DIY Home Improvement Forum

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mfleming M Hello. I recently installed a new drywall patch in my living room 4'x8'. When installed the tap I had plenty of mud ect. Next day I did a light sand and use a vacuum on the wall to pick up the dust (BAD DISSUASION). I have a couple of spots about 4" long that have bubbled up and I have added more coats over top which didn't help. Duh.. Anyways how should I fix this? Should I try and the tape down the center at these points and remove the bubbled tap and re-apply new stuff? Or just wet it down and slit a hole in the tape, pat and smooth out and re-apply compound? Or is there something else I could do to fix this dumb mistake? Matt #1 · May 1, 2008 Hello. I recently installed a new drywall patch in my living room 4'x8'. When installed the tap I had plenty of mud ect. Next day I did a light sand and use a vacuum on the wall to pick up the dust (BAD DISSUASION). I have a couple of spots about 4" long that have bubbled up and I have added more coats over top which didn't help. Duh.. Anyways how should I fix this? Should I try and the tape down the center at these points and remove the bubbled tap and re-apply new stuff? Or just wet it down and slit a hole in the tape, pat and smooth out and re-apply compound? Or is there something else I could do to fix this dumb mistake? Matt Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · May 1, 2008 Chances are that you did not have sufficient compound "under" the paper tape. The compound acts like glue. If you have areas of tape, that do not have the "glue" (compound) under it, it will not adhere. Those areas will rise and create a visible "bubbles". If there are significant amounts of bubbling, you may have to remove the tape and start over again. Just make sure of this: 1.) Apply sufficient compound to create a solid thickness and length of compound to "bed" or set the paper tape into. 2.) Do Not overwipe the paper tape. You want to smooth it out. If you wipe and squeeze out too much compound, you will create air pockets under the tape. These areas, in turn, will then bubble up (due to the compound being squeezed out from under it). Good Luck. #3 · May 1, 2008 Everything Atlantic says is correct. But now that you have them, the best way I know to fix bubbles is to slice the edge open with a utility knife and work some mud under them and recoat. That will save having to pull the tape completely off and start over. #4 · May 1, 2008 MAN!!!!- M6 - You're going to give away all the trade "secrets" on this site!..:wink: Other alternatives: If is just a few bubbles on recently applied paper-tape: You can slice the center of the bubble and push compound into it, wipe and coat. You can "cut-out" that section of bubbled tape; Cut and remove, replace section with new tape, being careful to over lap the intact sections, by about 1". 0 Reply #5 · May 1, 2008 I will try and slice them open and fix them tonight. Thank you. Matt #6 · May 2, 2008 i use mesh, for all repair work, so i dont usually have any problems with any bubbles #7 · May 2, 2008 I've had some patches that just don't ever seem to level down to my satisfaction, and found that removing the tape worked well in some instances. IF you have to remove the tape, using a sponge or spray bottle, wet the taped area. When it's uniformly wet the tape and mud changes color. Assuming it's general purpose drywall compound, it'll soak up the water and once you get to an edge, you can gently lift the paper off the DW. No scraping or cutting needed. Lay in a new layer of mud, feather out and you're on your way. #8 · May 4, 2008 Had that happen early in my mudding days....cutting it out is best. For future note: I hate mesh tape someone mentioned...... As others said, always have have a good skim coat "bed" to set the tape into. For rookies I always recommend taking thier time - don't try to finish a DW taping job, especially a patch up too quick. Multiple skimming coats will turn out better than a couple thick ones and a lot of sanding. I always ask my "honey do" (wife)...."You want it done fast or you want it done rght?" #10 · May 4, 2008

jbhandyman said: Had that happen early in my mudding days....cutting it out is best. For future note: I hate mesh tape someone mentioned...... As others said, always have have a good skim coat "bed" to set the tape into. For rookies I always recommend taking thier time - don't try to finish a DW taping job, especially a patch up too quick. Multiple skimming coats will turn out better than a couple thick ones and a lot of sanding. I always ask my "honey do" (wife)...."You want it done fast or you want it done rght?" Click to expand...

She wants it done fast and right.......:laughing: 0 Reply #9 · May 4, 2008 2 cents: Mesh should really only be used with Hot Mud, or quick dry mix. We NEVER use it with regular compound due to the tendency of cracking. #12 · Oct 31, 2009 2 more cents From personal experience, I have to thoroughly agree with AtlanticWBConst. I heard the words "quick" and "self-adhesive" and jumped at the chance. Learned the hard way that the cracking is for real and un-fixable without starting all over. :no: Show more replies 0 Reply #11 · May 4, 2008 Ditto on the mesh tape. I never use it. It baffles me that Mike Holmes loves it. #14 · Jan 13, 2012 My paper tape is bubbling up almost immediately after I put the top coat on. I've tried using more mud in my skim coat and not overworking the tape but I'm still getting bubbles. Could it be happening in my seams aren't flush? #15 · Jan 14, 2012 Cindy you need to go back and add your own post not add on to someone elses. #16 · Apr 23, 2012 Drywall bubbling Great tips on bubble fixes. I agree, cutting it out is best option as long as they are few and far between. To avoid bubbles another tip i learned is before applying, lightly wet the back of the tape using a spray bottle mist, or wipe the back with a damp cloth. (Don't soak, just mist.) Insert Quotes Post Reply

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